Nonsmooth and nonconvex optimization for the design and order reduction of robust controllers used in smart structures

Abstract

H-infinity controller design for linear systems is a difficult, nonconvex typically nonsmooth optimization problem when the controller is fixed to be of order less than the one of the open-loop plant, a requirement with some importance in embedded smart systems. In this paper we use a new Matlab package called HIFOO, aimed at solving fixed-order stabilization and local optimization problems; it is based on a new hybrid solution algorithm. The problem is to reduce the vibration of the smart system using H-infinity control and nonsmooth optimization.